Pneumonia bacteriana em Chelonoidis carbonaria (Reptilia : Testudines)

Abstract

Pneumonia is a common clinical presentation in reptiles. Infectious agents are capable of causing primary pneumonia in species maintained in captivity, but in most cases are secondary to problems of management, hygiene and nutrition . The aim of this study was to report the occurrence of bacterial pneumonia in Chelonoidis carbonaria, and to describe the clinical, microbiologic, radiographic and therapeutic management. The animal was presenting signs of respiratory disorders and has been described in the clinical history before diagnosis of pneumonia. The radiographic findings were suggestive of pneumonia/pulmonary edema. Based on the displayed radiographic exams and clinical signs was initiated the treatment with administration of chloramphenicol (40mg/kg/SID/IM). Have been isolated Klebsiella spp and Citrobacter spp. bacterial culture done collecting endotracheal lavage. Both with a multiple antibiotic resistance profile tested. Treatment protocol was instituted using gentamicin (5mg/kg/IM). There was improvement of clinical signs of the animal, but the presence of nasal secretion was observed. New radiographic examination, demonstrating slight decrease in the opacity of the right lung field and no significant change in the left lung field in craniocaudal projection was performed. Because of the persistence of clinical signs presented new collection of endotracheal material was performed, and there was an isolation of Citrobacter spp. and Enterobacter spp. Based on the results achieved in the antibiogram, was instituted new protocol with the use of amikacin (2.5 mg/kg/IM) applications in seven intervals of 72h. After antibiotic therapy, an other radiological examination was performed, which showed satisfactory reduction in pulmonary function and clinical signs.